We acknowledge that all members of our school community will flourish when they are part of an environment that supports their internal motivational needs of autonomy, connectedness and competency. In other words, it is critically important that staff and students of OLSH feel that they have some control over their learning choices, that we feel connected and in close relationship with one another and that we can clearly see how we are improving in the various areas of school life.

At OLSH we are committed to providing the best possible learning experience for the students of our school. Our staff are continuously striving to ensure that their teaching approaches and the learning experiences we provide for our learners are embedded in practices that have the greatest possible positive impact on student learning. We use evidence gleaned from research and from our own teaching experiences and professional knowledge, to ensure that our students are constantly exposed to learning and teaching designed to continuously move them on an upward learning trajectory. 

Our learners will come to understand that learning is something that requires effort, that mistakes can be valuable learning experiences and that to retain what we learn we need to return to it multiple times throughout the course of the year. 

Our staff understands that different students require different levels of adjustment to help them succeed. We also understand that when a child is successful this drives their motivation to be successful again in the future. Whilst not all children are at the same level at the same time, every student is capable of advancing their learning throughout the course of each school term.

What we know about learning is growing significantly through advances in techniques and technologies that help us delve deeper into the brains and minds of learners as they learn. At OLSH, we are committed to ongoing learning so that our learners continue to learn, grow and become the best they can be.

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart are joined with fifty-one Catholic Schools in the Sandhurst Diocese in the exciting, comprehensive and innovative program Magnify Sandhurst - "Every Student, Every Teacher, Every School, Every Day!"

Magnify Sandhurst

What is Magnify Sandhurst?

Magnify Sandhurst combines evidence-based practices in teaching and learning to support each students' unique needs, strengths and growth. The Magnify program focuses on strengthening core subject areas like English and mathematics, building supportive classroom environments, and integrating Catholic values in daily learning. We are committed to improving outcomes and providing a program where every student can flourish, inspired by the mantra, "Every Student, Every Teacher, Every School, Every Day!"

Key Features of Magnify Sandhurst

Magnify Sandhurst aims to enhance learning outcomes through several key components:

• Structured and Evidence-based Learning: Using the latest neuroscience and a structured, knowledge-rich curriculum, we ensure students build deep understanding. A low-variance curriculum provides students with a consistent learning experiences and reduces the amount of preparation and planning required by teachers, allowing teachers to focus on individual student needs to support their learning and growth.

• Magnifying Literacy and Numeracy: Providing targeted support and resources to improve reading, writing and mathematics knowledge and skills at all levels. Special focus on Structured Literacy (incorporating phonics) in F-2 and sequential programs from Years 3-6.

• Instructional Coaching for Teachers: Each teacher receives a dedicated coach and program to learn and practice the best techniques to meet students' learning needs. We are investing in our teachers to provide the best possible learning outcomes for students in our Catholic schools.

• Calm Classrooms and Positive Learning Environments: Promoting calm, supportive, and positive learning environments through common practices, expectations, routines and social norms, our work includes a new program for student social and behavioural learning. Our classrooms will have a consistent approach throughout each Sandhurst school to support all students to learn in a calm, positive and resepctful learning environment.

Key Changes for students

With Magnify Sandhurst, you will see:

• English and mathematics Blocks: Your child will have more intensively focused time on literacy and numeracy skills, especially in the early years. At older year levels, the curriculum will be sequenced to ensure all students continue to cover all components of the Victorian Curriculum 2.0. There will be targeted support for reading and mathematics at every level.

• Streamlined Curriculum: Teachers will implement a clear and structured curriculum that prioritises essential knowledge and skills to reduce unnecessary complexity.

• Personalised Learning Support: Every teacher will work with a coach to apply the latest techniques for meeting individual student needs, helping all students through support and challenge.

How families can be involved

Education is a partnership, and we encourage our OLSH families to stay engaged in your child’s journey with us. Here’s how:

• Participate in Learning Conversations: Look forward to regular updates on your child’s learning milestones. We aim to keep you informed and involved every step of the way.

• Join us for our School Assemblies, Learning Showcases, Let's Bee Better Readers and Drop In @ Drop Off Time. 

• Access your child's learning: Throughout the year, you will have opportunities to review your child’s learning and progress, including on See Saw and PAM - Student End of Semester Reports, so you can stay connected to their academic achievmeent and growth.

Looking Ahead

Magnify Sandhurst will be introduced across 2025 to 2027, with each phase designed to bring measurable improvements in our learning environments. We are committed to making this journey meaningful for every child and every family, ensuring that learning is engaging, challenging and supportive.

Curriculum at OLSH

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School develops their curriculum based on the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) Victorian Curriculum F – 10 2.0
In addition, Religious Education is also taught across all year levels. Our Religious Education Curriculum is based on the CESL Religious Education Curriculum - Source of Life.

Learning Areas

• English

• Mathematics

• Religious Education

• Health & Physical Education

• Languages - Auslan

• The Arts

• Humanities

• Science

• Technologies

• Critical & Creative Thinking Capabilities

• Ethical Capabilities

• Intercultural Capabilities

• Personal & Social Capabilities